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Until the last few years, I was your typical basement dweller. I didn't get out much and didn't care to. Naturally introverted with a history of self-limiting beliefs. There was a time in my life that I spoke so little, that when I did speak, I discovered that I had developed a stutter and depleted powers of vocal tonality.
I have come a long way since then, and I am now back to a "normal" level. The only issue is that I never properly formed social-development skills necessary for platonic attraction. So... unless there is a natural vibe or affinity between a stranger and myself, there is a social-awkwardness. I believe this mostly stems from an inability to relate to most people as I have very little surface level commonality with most.
It's usually not a big deal EXCEPT when I am forced to interact with certain people I ordinarily would never want to. Case in point, the girlfriend's family and friends. If I don't relate to a person, have zero common ground with them, but must for "political" reasons, what are the best ways to kill the awkwardness? It doesn't help when the person is "weird" themselves in a very different kind of way either... I'm sick of being the the outlier, third-wheel whenever I'm with my younger girlfriend in her group of strangers. Of course I'm not going to have much to contribute to their inane discussions... but just sitting there smiling like Slingblade isn't going to cut it either.
I'm the type of guy that no one ever wants to get to know, but once they finally do, they love me.
Check out " Psycho Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz. great read
Also stretch out of your comfort zone a little bit. I would still cold approach a little just to start a convo and show your mind that there's nothing to be afraid of